Summer Evening of Chat

President Charles welcomed everyone to the meeting. In tonight’s Interesting Rotary Information Charles highlighted “Rotary’s View of International Affairs”

Membership in Rotary enables Rotarians to take a particular view of international affairs. In the early 1950s a Rotary philosophy was adopted to describe how a Rotarian may think on a global basis. This is what it said:

"A world-minded Rotarian: looks beyond national patriotism, sharing responsibility for the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace. Resists any tendency to act in terms of national or racial superiority. Seeks and develops common grounds for agreement with peoples of other lands. Defends the rule of law and order to preserve the liberty of the individual, enabling enjoyment of freedom of thought, speech and assembly, and freedom from persecution, aggression, want and fear. Supports action directed toward improving standards of living for all peoples, realising that poverty anywhere endangers prosperity everywhere. Upholds the principles of justice for everyone. Strives always to promote peace between nations and prepares to make personal sacrifices for that ideal. Urges and practises a spirit of understanding of everyone’s beliefs as a step toward international goodwill, recognizing that there are certain basic moral and spiritual standards which will ensure a richer, fuller life."

That is quite an assignment for any Rotarian to practice in thoughts and actions!

An evening of Social Chat followed and it was suggested that a return to face-to-face meetings at the Bentley Hotel, which was on the meeting agenda for tonight’s Council meeting, could be discussed in the groups.

President Charles reported that Paul Begley had undergone a kidney transplant earlier in the week.  He was in good spirits and hoped to be discharged from hospital within the next few days.

President Charles reported that Secretary Ian, Callan and he had attended the West Area meeting of Rotary Clubs (via Zoom) on Saturday 21^st August.  All seven Clubs in the area had been represented.  President Charles mentioned the following from the meeting:

Grants now available for equipment to support Clubs intending to have hybrid meetings

Re-districting will be discussed at the District Council meeting on Sunday 29^th August.

Risk assessments – Clubs should consider current restrictions and guidance from the Scottish Government when planning a return to face-to-face meetings

Wrap up Lanarkshire – Callan and Katrina reported that things were progressing.  Premises for sorting out the coats were being sought.  Due to the size of the area, about 3 sorting premises would be required.  The cut off time for ordering collection boxes was 6th September.  Collection points for the coats were required.  Members were asked to think of places that would be suitable e.g. churches, community centres etc.  It had been decided to run the project throughout the mouth of October.  This would avoid a clash with poppy collections that some Clubs were involved with during November.  Callan would be preparing a press release on the project.  Willie Talbot requested a copy of this that he could circulate to the local Church Ministers’ Fraternal.  The Motherwell & Wishaw Inner Wheel had over 50 scarves that the ladies had knitted and had generously offered these to our Club to be distributed with each coat.  This arrangement would apply to our Club only.  It was mentioned that North and South Lanarkshire were accepting some Afghan refugees and that this could be an outlet for some of the coats.

Bonus Ball - Willie Talbot reported that last week’s winner was Bill McCallum and in the Numbers’ Club, July draw, 1^st – Tom McPherson, 2^nd – Jim Peat, 3^rd – Andrew Steven. August draw, 1^st – Ian Carrol, 2^nd – Peter McCrossan, 3^rd – John Chapman